Hi Russ,

Given that I finally decided what to use and how to use it the day before the gig and hooked everything up the morning of the gig to run through a song or two, the show went off without a hitch. I can't tell you how much fun and satisfying it is to have full control of not only the chordal part (live piano/strings/brass/etc.) but also the bass player (old lefty) and being able to reach up with my left hand to control the drummer (not easily done when playing left hand bass lines). I certainly did use some auto styles on the gig as well which was fine, but playing everything live, with the exception of drums although I use fills and variations quite a bit, just feels better to me. And I'll tell ya' I think the audience hears a difference to. Then again it may be my choice of songs that I do live. The best response was when I did Hey There after talking some about Rosemary Clooney. I just played piano and bass pedals and sang the tune, also bringing in some strings towards the end for dramatic effect. As I was performing this song, I looked around the room and many folks had their eyes closes, slowly swaying back and forth to the tune. It does my heart good to know that these seniors are enjoying what I am offering and maybe bringing back some good memories of days past.

Don't mean to sound so sappy, sorry.

Dave

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Wm. David McMahan
LearnMyKeyboard
JazzItUp Band
The Modulators